Indian Journal of Ophthalmology
Robotic-assisted simulation of eyelid laceration repair: A proof-of-concept study
By Deepsekhar Das, Mandeep Bajaj and RADHIKA TANDON.
Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the feasibility and safety of using the Da Vinci robotic surgical system for simulated eyelid laceration repair in a controlled experimental setting.
Methods
A proof-of-concept simulation study was conducted using gloves and sponge. Fingers of gloves were cut and sponges were introduced in the lumen to mimic the architecture of eyelids. These sponge-filled gloves were placed over a goats eye and fixed with pins on a Thermocol block. Anterior lamellar wounds were created by cutting only the superior part of the gloves. Full thickness wounds were created by cutting the full thickness of the glove. An ophthalmologist with prior cumulative robotic training of 12 hours on a virtual robotic surgical simulator performed wound repair using the Da Vinci surgical system. Repair was carried out using 6-0 silk sutures for anterior lamellar wound in an interrupted fashion, and the full thickness margin involving wound was repaired in three layers using 4-0 silk, 6-0 silk, and 6-0 vicryl. Procedural time, accuracy of suturing, and intraoperative safety parameters were assessed.